Gender Identity Issues Animal Assisted Therapy

Gender Identity Issues

Gender identity issues can make a person feel that nature has played a cruel trick, leaving them living in a body and role that is contrary to what they feel inside. However, as society becomes more accepting of gay and lesbian individuals it is also becoming much easier for people to admit that they are transgender than ever before. However, therapy can help people with gender dysphoria to cope with gender identity issues.

Most people with gender dysphoria prefer the term transgender as they deal with the social expectations of living a life that is authentic to their own emotions while conforming to their birth gender.

Whether you are confused about the possibility that you might be transgender, or whether you have accepted the reality, it is a good idea to speak to a therapist. If you are considering gender reassignment surgery, therapy will help you prepare for the psychological impact of the decision.

Living in your gender of choice will take a lot of courage, as well as some experimentation. You will have to learn how to find a congruent appearance, and explore different ways for you to present your body so that it relates to your true gender.

Counselling from a therapist trained in gender identity issues will provide a nurturing and non-judgmental environment for you to explore your emotions, fears and feelings regarding what is happening for you.  Individual and group therapies are common for gender dysphoric patients, while family therapy can help foster better communication, and understanding. Family therapy can help deal with conflicts that can arise from gender dysphoria.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers gender identity counselling to address your gender dysphoria issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Animal Assisted Therapy, Relaxation Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Animal-assisted therapy uses animals, and dogs in particular, to improve cognitive and emotional functioning. Animals help to build a report between the therapist and the patient, and can include domesticated pets and farm animals.

During the first stages of animal-assisted therapy, the therapist will assess the client's needs without animals present. The animal is only introduced once the therapist has developed a treatment plan.

The next stage involves a bond being developed between the client and the animal through motor skills. The animals are used to motivate the client, and to create positive interactions that can be translated into human interaction.

The therapist will monitor improvement and once a positive interaction is established between the client and the animal, the client is given independence in making choices for their partner in Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) therapy.

If you are looking for a counsellor who offers Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Relaxation Therapy, used therapeutically, relieves stress, manage symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep. Applied correctly and practiced frequently, relaxation therapy can improve a person's general well being.

The waking mind is constantly active, with thoughts swirling through it at an alarming rate. The mind remains active during sleep as well, and that is why people often wake up feeling tired. Restful sleep is needed for the mind to be relaxed and for the body to be healthy.

Relaxation therapy quiets the mind, allowing thoughts to flow smoothly, at a level rhythm that induces relaxation. A well-rested mind is rejuvenated, even while at sleep. Rest and relaxation improves overall health, boosts the immune system and helps the body to fight stress and anxiety to improve a person's quality of life.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Relaxation Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that deals with the way in which clients think about themselves, other people and the world. The outside world affects how we think and feel about ourselves and as a result, our behaviour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help a person to change the way they think about thoughts and feelings, but it is not like other types of talk therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on current issues and challenges that affect the client right now. It doesn't consider the past issues that caused distress, but rather looks for solutions that can improve the client's state of mind in the moment. Much of CBT involves looking at thought distortions that can affect mood and are affected by mood, and helps client examine and challenge distorted thinking patters.

CBT can help a range of problems, from OCD, PTSD, bulimia, stress, phobias and other issues that might seem overwhelming to the client, by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Shawna Bot

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Taking that first step towards healing takes courage! I want to honour that and walk alongside of you while we work towards your wellness goals. The reality is that not many people are taught the skills to deal... Read more

Gayane Ghazaryan

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and a Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP). I am also the founder of Luminaire Therapy which offers... Read more

Susan Rai

Psy.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Dr. Susan Rai is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology. Susan is currently in the process of registering with the BC College of Psychologists and offering telephone counselling... Read more

Sandy Hawkins

M.A., RCC
"Although feelings of stress, anxiety, depression or relationship conflict may sometimes seem all-encompassing, they do not define who we are. Therapy is a process, and I believe we are each the experts of our own... Read more

Penney Hartsen

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Video on profile
Life is difficult. We all struggle at times and need help to find our way. This is a safe place to sit with our doubts and insecurities...no judgement... on the way to healing and developing into the person you most... Read more

Desiree D'Silva

M.Couns., CCC
    • Online booking
I am an EMDR and Play base therapist who works with children, youth and adults. I am deeply committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space where my clients can explore their emotions, gain insight into their... Read more

Alexa Moore

M.A., RCC
I work with children, teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relational difficulties. My goal is to provide my clients with a space that supports them to tolerate and express big... Read more

Michele Francis

MCP, RCC
You are important and what you have to say matters! Taking the first step to looking for counselling tells me your mental and emotional wellbeing matters to you. You are not willing to sit by and let challenges... Read more

Michelle Meier

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! I'm Michelle Meier, a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Langley, British Columbia. With a passion for supporting teens and adults through various life challenges, I specialize in providing a healing... Read more

Paul Griggs

M.C., RCC
Working with a counsellor can help support you through the challenges of life and can help reveal opportunities for making positive changes. It's a collaborative process that can often lead to improved moods, better... Read more

Andrea Yeo

M.Ed., RCC
Andrea Yeo is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, a Child Interviewer for BC Hear the Child Society, a Secondary School Teacher with North Vancouver School District, a Certified Parenting Facilitator and... Read more

Heather Bach

M.A., CCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
For over 20 years, Heather Bach of Bach Counselling Group brings clinical expertise to working with those who wish to make a positive change in relationships, intimacy, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD... Read more

Trevor Warren

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
With over 30 years as a Relationship & Sexual Intimacy therapist, and supported well over a 1,000 couples, Trevor Warren Trevor has earned the reputation of "Relationship Expert" in the... Read more

Kala McKenzie

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of feeling exhausted by worry, or paralyzed by a harsh inner-critic? Perhaps you have noticed that your self-esteem is unhealthy - you either second-guess yourself, not really believing the nice things... Read more

Sarah Siddiqui RCC

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
*Now Accepting Clients.  For insurance purposes: please note I am an RSW and RCC* Whether trying therapy has been an unfulfilled new year’s resolution for the past number of years, something that just... Read more

Veronika Tkacova

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that therapy can be a safe space for healing and self-discovery, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to support others throughout this process.  I have experience working with various forms of... Read more
    • Online booking
I've been using Mindfulness in my work with clients for 19 years. Mindfulness is a gentle, humanistic, and holistic therapeutic approach that guides your efforts, emphasizing growth rather than deficit.... Read more

Martine Charles

Ph.D., RCC
I have over 25 years experience in providing individual counselling to adult women and men. I offer counselling for a wide variety of difficulties including trauma (recent and past), anxiety, depression, addictions... Read more

Lisa Butcher

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.  I hold a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in New Brunswick and a Bachelors degree in Health... Read more

Sarah Hickinbottom

Ph.D., RCC
CURRENTLY NOT ACCPETING NEW CLIENTS Counselling for Individuals Facing Significant Personal and/or Professional Transitions Sarah's practice is focused on working collaboratively with clients facing unexpected... Read more

Eryn Wicker

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors, and the founder and clinical director of Bliss Therapeutic Services. I am dedicated to providing professional, confidential and... Read more

Bonny Yung

M.C., RCC
Are you in a season of struggle and looking for clarity and support to help you move through difficulty? Perhaps you have reached your tipping point, feel isolated and alone, unsure of yourself, struggle with self-... Read more

Kelly Houlahan

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I'm deeply committed to guiding individuals through the maze of life. My passion lies in helping children, teens, and young adults unravel complexities; including anxiety, depression, relationships, and life... Read more

Chelsea Reid

M.A., CCC
At SOAR, I provide counselling services to children and teens under the age of 20. I work with individuals who are experiencing personal, social, academic, and behavioural difficulties, including bullying, body... Read more

Colin Lester

M.Ed., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counselling with a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology. For more than 30 years, I have been helping people with depression, anxiety, and life problems. As well, those wanting to... Read more

Jeffrey Hoy

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am a therapist who wants to help you, in the way that works for you, and at the pace that works for you. I seek to create a safe, calm, and open place for you to explore what is really going on. I have lived a richly... Read more

Meagan Maddocks

M.Couns., RCC
Meagan is a registered clinical counsellor who has over 20 years of expertise in working with clients who live with chronic illnesses. Balancing life’s stressors and joys can be a difficult task. When... Read more

Farideh Farzamian

Ph.D., RCC
Farideh Farzamian, Ph.D., RCC www.healingtalking.net Telehealth / Therapy Online ONLY Dr. Farideh Farzamian is a bilingual therapist. In her sessions she speaks English and/or Persian (Farsi). She has obtained... Read more

Marco Ma

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a compassionate and dedicated Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 17221) affiliated with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. With the expertise in individual and couple therapy, I tailor my... Read more

Pam Paquet

M.Ed., CCC
    • Blog on profile
Before I try to impress you with credentials, accomplishments and experience, I want to introduce myself on a personal level. I love change. I love helping people create their change. I am passionate about seeing people... Read more